7Days in the Arts

June 17-23, 2006

The "Red Scare" is over and the Hollywood Blacklist forgotten, but the war is about to heat up between Benny Silverman and Leo Greshen in Jeffrey Sweet's play "The Value of Names." When Leo testified against Benny before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s, they became enemies. Now, several decades later, the two are brought together as Benny's daughter Norma is cast in a play directed by Leo. Benny must decide the fate of his relationship with Leo as well as with Norma, who wants to change her name, thereby denying her heritage. What's a Jew to do?

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(l. to r.) George Wyner, Emily Button and Michael Durrell in "The Value of Names." Photo by Edward Totten Button

Sunday, June 18

Willy Loman returns to the stage on his desperate quest to achieve the American Dream. Pacific Resident Theater has revived "Death of a Salesman" as part of its Summer Series. Although Arthur Miller's classic play is a tragic tale, this story is deeply rooted in American literature and history and should be read or seen in one's lifetime.

Shabbat is not for a few days, but flautist Toby Caplan-Stonefield will have you feeling festive with her new CD, "The Spiritual Flute" Vol. 1. This album features Caplan-Stonefield with the Conejo Valley Flute Society, guitarist Larry Giannecchini, pianist Paul Switzler and percussionist Ken Meyer, performing pieces by Jewish composers and other composers with spiritual qualities. This mellifluous music will surely turn a manic Monday into a relaxing one.

Dan Thorne's new art exhibit, "Tzva'im Mavrikim -- Bright Colors," features plein-air, acrylic works that pay homage to Havdalah ceremonies and customs. Through his vibrant pieces, Thorne celebrates the distinction between Shabbat and the rest of the week. Of Havdalah, Thorne explains, "it's a wondrous service, and I wanted to share some images that it brings to me."

What do George Costanza, Bob Patterson and Max Bialystock have in common? The man behind these great characters, Jason Alexander, who is now flexing his directing muscle for the Los Angeles Premiere of Sam Shepard's "The God of Hell." This dark political comedy follows the lives of Frank and Emma of rural Wisconsin, whose lives are greatly disrupted after two unwelcome visitors arrive at their home. One can almost hear Frank and Emma shouting "Serenity now!"

When Academy Award-nominated movie star Tyler Johnes finds himself in a bar in purgatory on Oscar night, schmoozing with the glitterati and posing for the paparazzi on the red carpet are no longer in the cards. Johnes is then forced to re-examine aspects of
his unsavory life through appearances by people from his past, including his agent, his former acting partner, a bimbo escort and his soon-to-be ex-wife.
Playwright Mitch Albom's comedic play "And The Winner Is...," reveals the ugly side of show business in a Hollywood-style tale ? la "It's a Wonderful Life." Will Johnes get a second chance and live to thank the Academy?

Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll may be a necessary backdrop for the rock musical genre, but "Prime," written by Luke Lehman and Deborah Kassner, also highlights the inner conflicts of four musicians as they strive to pursue their dreams. Creators of this multimedia production successfully blur the lines between reality and fantasy by staging a real vocal competition during each performance. The contest winner will receive a professional recording session. Details are available at www.primetherockmusical.com.

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